How To Grow Popcorn Microgreens (Easy To Grow Corn Shoot Microgreens!)

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How To Grow Poporn Microgreens

Do you want to learn how to grow popcorn microgreens? They are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and they are very easy to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Growing popcorn microgreens is a straightforward process that requires popcorn seeds, potting soil, containers or trays with drainage holes, and a sunny location.

• Start by soaking the seeds for 12-24 hours, then spread them on an inch-deep soil in your containers.

• Cover them with an inverted tray until they sprout, then ensure they receive ample sunlight and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not wet.

• Harvest when they reach 3-4 inches in height, around 10-14 days post planting.

In this blog post, you will learn the best way to grow popcorn microgreens and get tips on how to care for them and make sure that they thrive.

We will also discuss the benefits of popcorn microgreens. So if you are interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading.

What are popcorn microgreens and why should you grow them?

4oz Yellow Popping Corn, Corn Seed for Growing, Heirloom, Open Pollinated Non-GMO Garden Seeds by Country Creek Acres, Grown in USA, Microgreen Seed Popcorn microgreens are a type of vegetable that has been harvested before it reaches maturity.

These fresh greens start out as popcorn kernels and are usually harvested at about 3 inches long.

They are also called popcorn shoots. They make a perfect crop for growing in small spaces and for first-time growers.

Popcorn microgreens have a sweet, nutty flavor and are packed with nutrition – they contain more than four times the amount of vitamins and minerals as fully mature vegetables.

Growing popcorn microgreens is an easy way to get a nutritious addition to your meals without having to wait for them to reach full maturity.

What do you need to grow popcorn microgreens?

To start growing popcorn microgreens, you will need some potting soil, some small containers or plastic seed propagation trays propagation trays. Of course, you will need water and popcorn seeds.

You can also use sweet corn seeds and your corn shoots may even be sweeter, but you may have a slightly lower germination rate because those seeds are often wrinkled, making it harder for them to sprout.

You will want to plant in a tray with drainage holes so excess water can run off. I use one planting tray to hold my coconut coir. This tray has drainage holes.

To water, I place it in a tray with no holes filled halfway to the top with water. Bottom watering like this keeps foliage dry and helps prevent mold or fungus problems.

It is important to empty the tray after watering and allow the top tray to fully drain before leaving it in the bottom tray.

You can find popcorn seeds at most garden centers or online True Leaf Market is a reputable source for microgreen seeds but really any untreated corn seeds will work just fine. Once you have these items, you are ready to start growing.

How to grow popcorn microgreens?

Growing popcorn microgreens is very easy and only requires a few steps. First, fill the containers with potting soil so that it is about an inch deep.

You will want to soak seeds for 12-24 hours before planting. Then, sprinkle a thin layer of popcorn seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them in.

After that, add enough water so that the soil is moist but not soaked – too much water can cause the seeds to rot or become moldy.

If your growing area is cool consider adding a heating mat which will improve germination

I cover them with an inverted tray until they sprout. Once the germination process has started you will want to place the containers in an area with plenty of sunlight and make sure to keep the soil moist by watering regularly.

How do you care for popcorn microgreens?

Once the popcorn microgreens have sprouted, they will need to be watered regularly. Make sure that the soil stays moist but not wet – too much water can cause them to rot or become moldy.

Additionally, make sure that your containers are in an area where they can receive plenty of sunlight – this is essential for healthy growth.

What are the benefits of corn microgreens?

Popcorn microgreens offer a variety of health benefits. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and magnesium.

Additionally, they contain antioxidants that can help protect against disease and illness. Eating popcorn microgreens is also a great way to add some extra flavor to your food without adding too many calories or unhealthy fats. Finally, they are very easy to grow and require minimal care – perfect for busy households.

4oz Yellow Popping Corn, Corn Seed for Growing, Heirloom, Open Pollinated Non-GMO Garden Seeds by Country Creek Acres, Grown in USA, Microgreen Seed

The best varieties of popcorn microgreens to grow

Popcorn microgreens are available in many varieties, including red, yellow, and black. Each variety offers a unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits.

Red popcorn microgreens have a sweet, nutty flavor and are high in vitamin C as well as iron and magnesium. Yellow popcorn microgreens are slightly sweeter than the red variety and offer a more earthy taste. Finally, black popcorn microgreens have an intense smoky-sweet flavor and contain the highest levels of antioxidants of all the varieties available.

Actually, any untreated seed can be used to grow corn microgreens. Personally, I would grow a super sweet variety for its higher sugar content. They will often be shown as SH2 or SS and they are shrunken wrinkly seeds.

Here are a few popular sweet corn varieties you can try 

• Golden Bantam
• Country Gentlemen
• Kandy Korn
• Ambrosia hybrids
• Honey Select hybrids

When it comes to choosing which variety of popcorn microgreen to grow, it’s important to consider your own preferences as well as what will best suit your needs nutritionally.

Whichever variety of popcorn microgreens you choose, you can rest assured that they’ll bring a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals!

How to harvest and store popcorn microgreens

Harvesting popcorn microgreens is the final step of growing this healthy crop – and it’s an important one!

To harvest your popcorn microgreens, simply snip them off at their base with scissors or a sharp knife. Be sure not to cut too deep into the soil as this could damage other roots in the area.

When the popcorn microgreens have grown 3-4 inches, they will be ready for harvesting after about 10-14 days.

You should use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems at the soil level, just above the root system of each plant.

After harvesting, you can rinse them with cold water then enjoy your fresh popcorn microgreens!

Once harvested, it’s time to enjoy your fresh popcorn microgreens. They are best eaten fresh but can also be stored for up to two weeks in a plastic bag or container with holes in the refrigerator.

Keeping them stored properly will help to maintain their nutritional value and flavor.

Storing popcorn microgreens

If you want to store your harvested popcorn microgreens for a longer period of time, it is best to wrap them in a damp paper towel before placing them in a bag or container with ventilation holes

You can simply cover the top of the container with a paper towel. You can then keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Additionally, some people prefer to freeze their popcorn microgreens as this preserves the flavor and texture better than refrigeration.

To do this, rinse off any dirt from your harvested micro greens and let them dry completely before placing them in an airtight freezer bag or sealed container and storing them in the freezer.

How to cook with popcorn microgreens

Popcorn microgreens are delicious and nutritious and a great addition to any dish – sweet or savory! They can be added raw, cooked, or even used as a garnish for both hot and cold dishes.

When adding popcorn greens to cooked food, it’s best to add them at the end of cooking so that they stay crunchy and retain their full nutritional value.

To keep things interesting, consider experimenting with different flavors and herbs to create unique combinations.

Popcorn microgreens can also be used as a garnish for many dishes, including salads, soups, sandwiches, and smoothies. Just sprinkle some on top or mix them in to add extra color and flavor.

The health benefits of eating popcorn microgreens

Popcorn microgreens are packed with plenty of nutrients, making them incredibly beneficial for your health.

These micro greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B-complex, C, E, and K. They also contain high amounts of potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Eating popcorn microgreens may help to boost your immune system as they contain several antibacterial compounds that can help protect you against infection.

Whole grain has a wide range of phytochemicals exhibiting health benefits of lowering risk of chronic diseases. As commonly consumed grain product, corn has unique profiles of nutrients and phytochemicals when compared with other whole grains. Corn nutrients and phytochemicals include vitamins (A, B, E, and K), minerals (Mg, P, and K), phenolic acids (ferulic acid, coumaric acid, and syringic acid), carotenoids and flavonoids (anthocyanins), and dietary fiber. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453018301009

Additionally, eating popcorn microgreens on a regular basis may help to reduce inflammation in the body which could help protect you from certain diseases like cancer.

Finally, consuming popcorn microgreens may aid in digestion and provide relief from constipation due to their fiber content.

All these benefits make popcorn microgreens an ideal addition to any healthy diet.

Tips for growing popcorn microgreens

Popcorn microgreens are easy to grow but here are a few tips that can help you get great results:

• Make sure you use well-draining soil so your plants don’t become waterlogged

• Start with fresh seeds each time as they will germinate more easily

• Place your tray in a warm spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight

• Water your plants with a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds or overwatering

Following these steps should give you delicious and healthy popcorn microgreens in no time.

More tips and tricks for growing popcorn microgreens successfully

Corn microgreens are easy to grow, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use for a successful harvest.

Here are some of the best ways to ensure your popcorn microgreens have the most flavor and nutrition possible:

1. Start with quality seeds. You want to make sure that you’re using the freshest, highest-quality seeds available, as they will provide the best end result. Check labels carefully and make sure they are untreated before purchasing any type of seed.

2. Water regularly. Popcorn microgreens need water regularly, so be sure to keep an eye on them during the growing process and water them frequently enough so they don’t dry out completely between waterings.

3. Don’t over-fertilize. Too much fertilizer can actually burn the microgreens and make their flavor bitter, so be sure to use a light hand when adding any type of fertilizer.

Corn microgreens can get all their essential nutrients from the seed itself. So if you want to skip fertilizing your microgreens.

4. Harvest early. Popcorn microgreens are best harvested before they get too big, as larger plants tend to be tough and not as flavorful. You should aim to harvest them when they reach about 2 -3 inches in height for the most flavor and nutrition benefits.

5. Eat fresh or store properly for later use. Once harvested, popcorn microgreens don’t keep well, so you should either eat them fresh or store them correctly if you need to save them for later use.

The best way to store popcorn microgreens is in a container or bag with ventilation holes. Place a damp paper towel inside to help maintain humidity, which will help keep them fresh for up to 7 days.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious flavor and nutrition of homemade popcorn microgreens whenever you want.

What to look out for when growing popcorn microgreens

When growing popcorn microgreens, there are a few things you should be aware of. 

• It’s important to keep the soil moist but not overly wet, as this can lead to mold and other problems.

• You need to make sure that your seeds are kept in the darkness until they have germinated.

• Popcorn microgreens require temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth so make sure your environment is within these parameters.

All of these things will help ensure that your popcorn microgreens thrive.

Common problems with growing popcorn microgreens and how to avoid them

Growing popcorn microgreens requires some patience and attention to detail, as there is a chance that problems can arise if the growing environment isn’t ideal.

Here are some of the most common issues when growing popcorn microgreens that you should keep an eye out for:

1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by too much moisture on the surface of the soil and leaves, leading to fuzzy white spots.

To avoid powdery mildew, ensure your soil is well-draining, give plenty of airflow between seedlings, and water from below so that the foliage does not get wet.

2. Poor germination: Poor germination could be due to insufficient light or incorrect temperatures in the environment. Make sure your growing space is well-lit and the temperature is between 18-21 degrees Celsius for optimal germination.

3. Fungal Diseases: If the popcorn microgreens are kept in a humid, warm environment (usually due to too much watering or inadequate airflow) then they can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as gray mold and root rot.

To avoid these problems, keep your plants in a bright location with air circulation and water them only when needed.

By following proper growing practices you should have no problem growing delicious popcorn microgreens! With a little attention to detail, you’ll be harvesting fresh popcorn microgreens in no time!

How to use popcorn microgreens in the kitchen

Popcorn microgreens can be used as garnishes or added to salads, soups, and sandwiches.

You can also use popcorn microgreens in smoothies and juices for a burst of flavor. Because they are small and delicate, they are best eaten raw. If you do want to cook them, keep the heat low so that they don’t lose their flavor.

For maximum freshness and crunchy texture, add the popcorn microgreens at the end of cooking time or right before serving.

Popcorn microgreens pair especially well with savory dishes such as roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, fish recipes with light sauces, and even tacos.

They can also be used as toppings on pizzas for added texture and flavor.  Enjoy experimenting with your popcorn microgreens and have fun in the kitchen.

Popcorn Microgreens FAQ

Popcorn microgreens are a fascinating addition to the culinary world, providing both a unique flavor and a host of nutritional benefits.

However, as with any plant, there are certain nuances in growing and utilizing them to their fullest potential.

In the following FAQ section, we address some common queries regarding popcorn microgreens that will help both novice and seasoned growers enjoy this delightful produce.

Q. What are the nutritional benefits of popcorn microgreens?

A. Popcorn microgreens are rich in vitamins such as A, B-complex, C, E, and K, along with minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

They also contain antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and potentially protect against diseases like cancer.

Q. How should I water my popcorn microgreens?

A. It’s essential to keep the soil moist but not overly wet to prevent mold.

Watering from below, by placing the container in a tray filled with water, is a good method.

This prevents the foliage from getting wet, which can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Q. When is the best time to harvest popcorn microgreens?

A. The best time to harvest popcorn microgreens is when they reach a height of about 3-4 inches, which typically occurs around 10-14 days after planting.

Use sharp scissors or a knife to snip them at the base, above the soil, to avoid damaging the other plants.

Q. What are some common problems faced while growing popcorn microgreens and how to avoid them?

A. Common problems include powdery mildew, poor germination, and fungal diseases.

Ensuring well-draining soil, providing adequate light, maintaining a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and watering properly can help mitigate these issues.

Monitoring for signs of mildew or fungal diseases and addressing any problems promptly will also lead to a healthier crop.